Local Projects Receive Community Places Grants

Province of Manitoba Media Release |

Community groups throughout Manitoba will receive more than $3 million in grants from the Community Places program to support a wide range of improvements at recreational, cultural and community facilities, Housing and Community Development Minister Mohinder Saran announced today.

“Community groups provide the essential recreational and social facilities and programs in neighbourhoods across Manitoba,” said Minister Saran. “This year, we are pleased to support 216 projects, which will ensure Manitobans can continue to benefit from recreation and wellness opportunities close to home.”

Local Swan Valley projects approved for grants include:

$ 5,000 Durban Hall Roof Replacement
$40,000 Minitonas Town Hall Enhancement Project – Phase 1
$10,000 Pine River Skating Rink Construction
$10,000 Harley House Log Repair
$ 4,000 Ferguson House Roof Replacement
             (Swan Valley Historical Museum)

The Community Places program provides funding and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations to build, upgrade, expand or acquire facilities that focus on recreation and wellness, the minister said.

Some of the community groups approved for a grant this year include:
* Cypress River Resource Centre – $1,000 for phase two of window replacement project;
* Variety the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, Lake Brereton – $30,000 to upgrade cabins and the dining hall at Camp Brereton to improve accessibility and comfort for children with special needs;
* Dauphin River Community Council, Gypsumville – $19,000 to correct ventilation and accessibility repairs to the existing community hall and build a 768-sq.-ft. addition;
* Thompson Boys and Girls Club Inc. – $9,000 to build a ramp and improve accessibility at a community building that provides services to more than 500 young people annually;
* Binscarth Park and Pool Committee Inc. – $30,000 to help ensure the community’s pool can remain open, by replacing the pool liner;
* Minnedosa Youth Soccer Association – $35,000 to develop two new fields for soccer and rugby, as part of a multi-sport site that will include baseball diamonds, agricultural grounds and a proposed new arena;
* Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg Inc. – $10,000 to replace the entry door and make other accessibility improvements;
* Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba Inc., Winnipeg – $25,000 to upgrade the facility to ensure it is universally accessible; and
* Forum Art Centre, Winnipeg – $9,000 to replace aging flooring in a building used to provide educational and cultural enrichment through art education and awareness.

“The Forum Art Institute was founded more than 50 years ago. We continue to explore ‘the artist within’ and have grown into a vibrant art centre with many generations inclusive of all ages, abilities and aspirations to learn,” said Daryl Dumanski, executive director, Forum Art Centre. “We are so pleased to be one of the many recipients of this community grant. For most organizations, these are not always the most glamorous projects, but the most necessary to help sustain the invested commitment that we bring to our community.”

Grants provided through this program are expected to help leverage another $15 million in support from other sources, Minister Saran said. Applicants contribute to project costs through local fundraising efforts, grants from other sources or donated labour and materials.

Since it was established in 1986, the Community Places program has provided more than
$115 million to support over 7,500 community-led projects across Manitoba.